Thousands of dead fish washing up along the shores of Lakes in Wisconsin, America

Thousands of dead fish are washing up on the shores of some central Wisconsin lakes.

Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources says the phenomenon is likely the result of thick ice that trapped fish in waters with low oxygen.

Daily Tribune Media reported residents near Lake Petenwell are seeing a second unusual sight — pelicans have come to scoop up the dead carp and walleye.

The DNR expects the cold winter will result in more dead fish in lakes throughout the state. The department expects winter kill to be worst in shallower, backwater areas.

DNR Fish Team supervisor Justine Hasz says it’s likely the pelicans are turning up because their normal staging grounds on Lake Michigan are still frozen.